Howard Stern Returning to ‘America’s Got Talent’

Howard Stern is headed back to judge Season 8 of NBC’s mega-hit, America’s Got Talent.

“Howard Stern’s towering presence and opinions on last season’s show as a new judge made a dramatic impact and added a sharper edge to the fascinating developments on stage,” said Paul Telegedy, NBC’s President of alternative programming, of the radio host’s return.

“We know that Howard believes in America’s Got Talent — which remains America’s top-rated summer series — and that dedication comes across in a genuine way to our viewers who share his passion about our amazing talent competition,” he continued.

Stern joined AGT last season and commanded a reported salary of $15 million. The show also moved production from Los Angeles to New Jersey in order to accommodate his radio job. It was unsure whether or not he would be back for round two as the shock jock had been reprimanded by the network for calling fellow NBC employee, Jay Leno, a “spineless maggot” in the wake of Tonight Show layoffs.

One person who definitely won’t be back at the judges table next summer? Sharon Osbourne. She announced in July that she would not be returning to the program – because she felt NBC discriminated against her son on the NBC reality program, Stars earn Stripes.

Auditions for the upcoming season of America’s Got Talent will continue next week in Birmingham, Ala. on Dec. 10 and then travel down the east coast for the rest of the year. Audition information is available at www.AGTauditions.com.

The reality series was the No. 1 summer series on broadcast television in 2012 in both the ad-coveted 18-49 demographic and total viewers. It averaged between 10 and 12 million viewers for each of its three nights on air. This was the seventh year the show took the title.

Are you happy that Stern is back for Season 8? Sound off in the comments below!

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